The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1887-03-19

III was MIS-. Darfell i7llc WAS
very pale, and addressed the girl
anxiously.
"1'm afraid an accident has hap
pened Mr. Hawkes.. His team ran
away"
He is lying in the road uncon-
scious," Minerva interrupted. VIII
you help me some way to --"
Let lis 90 quickly" said the 9th
er.
And so they had not lost an in
stant.
Jason had come to himself
Badly shaken up, that's all, J." he
said, with an-unnervcd laugh, and,
leaning on their arms ,slimped back
to Minerals home.
Minerva drew up the armchair in
the sitting-room, and left him there
with Mrs. Darrell, going herself into
the kitchen to make Il cooling drink
for her guest, perforce.
Through the open door between
the rooms she could hear Jason's
voice, gloomy and disturbed.
Good thing, perhaps, if | had
been killed. Wouldn't have cared
much
ooh, but you shouldn't say that"
the soft voice of Mrs Darrell replied.
"You ought to care. Things may
come right you know"
Minerals heart seemed to twist
up within her throat in Il sudden
jealous frenzy. She could fancy just
how the widows dark, soft eyes were
gazing into his just how her white
and graceful hand lay on his arm.
Yes, things might come right.
But why should Jason speak gloom
lily ? She had given him his free
dom.
The hand with which she offered
him the glass Of lemonade shook
perceptibly.
Did Jason observe it?
81 am going away tomorrow, Miss
Woodford," he said, rather stifiiy.
perhaps | may carry your good
wishes with me- greatly regret
having made you this trouble
The widow had slipped out on
the porch.
at is no trouble whatever Mr.
Hawkes. . replied Minerva.
Miss Woodford," said "A soft,
smooth voice from out among the
roses ; won't you please come out
here moment y
Minerva obeyed.
The widow came near the girl and
laid her gentle hand upon her arm.
Il have heard so much of you,'
she said in low tone Il feel as if
we might be friends. have been
trying to come and see you for so
long | was on my way this morn
ing. I'm afraid you feel unkindly
toward poor Jason. Please, don't
feel so. He is not to blamc--n
Mincrva's heart was boiling with
in her. She answered with an cf-
fort.
Il was not aware of any unkind
feelings. 1t can interest you very
little how | feel. .'
"Oh, but pardon me- 1t interests
me exceedingly"
"Oh p said Minerva, with sud
den sarcasm. TO be sure. for
got. Will you permit me to con
gratulate Mr.. Hawkes. ?"
Mrs. Darrell looked perplcXed
Congratulate For what p
Upon his engagement to you,'
said Minerva with a little gasp
"Nou-foolish-child! Who put
such nonsense in your head - Mrs.
Darrell was actually laughing. Did
you fancy why, child, | am six
years older than he. Beside am
to marry his cousin Frank. who is
in Europe now. | thought he had
told you. There, now, run in to
him and make it up. I'm off for the
present. But I'll he back.
Minerva turned into the house
with cheeks ahame.
Jason" she said. IL think
was too hasty last night. 1t 1t was
mistake"
Jason sprang to his feet and drew
her into his arms.
who was it that came gossiping
to you?" Wasn't it Miss Pcrkins?n
Yes" said Minerva, slowly. 1T
was Miss Perkins. But don't be-
lieve her-now."
Free Trade.
The reduction of internal revpnup and